On Digitization, Cultural Differences and Sustainability in International HR Management

At the end of our guest lecture series in the elective subject HR Management, Andreas Geiblinger and Marion Szeiler reported on how their companies deal with current personnel issues such as digitization and dealing with cultural differences or sustainability, especially in an international context, over the course of two exciting evenings.

Andreas Geiblinger, HIPP

Marion Szeiler, Mayr-Melnhof

Andreas Geiblinger, Head of International HR at HIPP, told our HR students how HIPP managers are prepared and supported for current challenges in a lively, exciting and sometimes even stirring way. "The aim is to empower managers and to strengthen and accompany them in their leadership role " says Geiblinger.

He used numerous examples to illustrate that leadership is one of the most difficult tasks. But also, that it is repeatedly practiced in workshops, so that every manager can deal confidently with different situations, such as an appraisal interview or a salary negotiation.

He also presented concepts for agile work and digitization, which he had already successfully tested in previous professional positions. Our students were very impressed by HIPP's emphasis on sustainability.

On our last evening, none other than Marion Szeiler, Head of Human Resources at Mayr-Melnhof, gave us insights into her varied, professional everyday life. She told us about the cultural differences she encountered during her career and how she has learned to deal with them profitably in her international work.

In her role as human resources manager, sustainable work is particularly important to her. She has shown that less is often more in human resources with numerous examples. "Anyone can start a project. But holding on to a project, continuously improving it, sustainably developing it - that's what makes the difference" Szeiler emphasizes. Finally, she gave our students valuable tips on what is important when striving for an international career.